Khaled Meshaal, head of Hamas’ political bureau abroad, has stated that the movement will not abandon its core demands in <a href="https://newsdirectory3com/japan-praises-hun-sens-visit-to-myanmar-for-positive-results-military-battle-expands-ceasefire-with-armed-groups/” title=”Japan praises Hun Sen's visit to Myanmar for positive results Military battle expands ceasefire with armed groups”>ceasefire talks with Israel.

According to Meshaal, who resides in Doha, Hamas officials are not rushing to reach a ceasefire with Israel at any cost. The movement has been engaged in ceasefire talks with Israel through Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators for months.

Meshaal emphasized that Hamas’ primary objectives include ending the war and Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. In an interview with the New York Times on Tuesday, he expressed confidence that “Hamas will win the war and play a decisive role in the future of Gaza.”

Meshaal attributed Hamas’ upper hand in the conflict to its firm stance and ability to constantly wear down the Israeli army. He also dismissed the notion that Hamas would be absent from the scene in Gaza after the end of the war, stressing that “the Palestinians alone will decide the arrangement of the Strip.”

Regarding the massive destruction of Gaza, Meshaal considered it a “price” that Palestinians must pay for freedom. He noted that prior to October 7, Gaza was experiencing a slow decline and was effectively a large prison, and that Hamas sought to change this situation.